Indulge in the rich flavors of this classic comfort food. These stuffed cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic vegetables, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Remove the core from the cabbage head.
- Immerse the cabbage head in the boiling water for a few minutes until the leaves soften.
- Drain the leaves and set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the cooked rice, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix in the tomato paste and beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until thickened.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll up tightly.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the crushed tomatoes and water.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender.
- Serve:
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot with the flavorful sauce.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the filling.
- You can substitute ground turkey or a vegetarian mixture for the ground meat.
- To make the cabbage rolls ahead of time, assemble them and freeze them in an airtight container. Thaw and cook as directed.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish!